French ISDE domination

The French national teams, well supported by leading KTM factory riders were in a class of their own this week for the annual ISDE, the international Six Days Enduro. The French were triumphant in major trophies and all major competition classes for this multi competition event.

The French, spearheaded by KTM factory riders Christophe Nambotin (E3 World Champion), Antoine Meo (E1 World Champion), Johnny Aubert and Husaberg rider Pierre-Alexandre Renet were never in doubt for the coveted World Trophy and led from the first day of competition. Nambotin was the fastest overall rider over the six days of competition and won the E3 class. Meo finished just under a minute behind him in the overall rankings and also won the E1 class with KTM factory teammate Eero Remes of Finland in second. KTM’s Johnny Aubert fought a hard battle the whole week with Renet to finish second overall in E2 and Toby Price, KTM’s Australian Offroad Championship was second behind Nambotin in E3. Price rode from day one with a bent wheel and from Wednesday with damaged ribs. David Knight of the KTM Enduro factory Team was down to compete for the British team but had to withdraw due to illness.

Australia rode consistently well throughout and was second in the World Trophy, Italy took third and USA, with a slew of KTM USA’s factory riders finished with a flourish by moving up two places into fourth place on the final day. France was followed home in the Junior World Trophy by Britain, USA and Australia and in the Women’s Trophy by Germany and Australia.

The only mishap for KTM factory riders in the entire week was on Day Two when Spain’s Cristobal Guerrero dislocated his shoulder and had to retire.

Riders tackled five days of challenging Enduro terrain around the Sachsenring racing circuit and on the final day, part of the route took riders on the asphalt of the famous circuit in a finale that had a “Supermoto” character. The event attracted large and enthusiastic crowds throughout, underlining the popularity of Enduro sport in and around the Saxony region.

The Red Bull ISDE is the oldest offroad event on the world FIM calendar. First started in Carlisle, England in 1913 it has been staged continually except during WWI and WW2. It is not only an event that is a highlight for top international riders but also attracts Endurists of all skill levels from all over the world. Hobby riders are able to compete on the same terrain and in the same conditions as the world’s elite riders and it is a unique opportunity for camaraderie and a shared sporting experience for dedicated Endurists. As in every edition, KTM was at the 2012 ISDE not only offering support for its top riders but also full service customer packages for riders wishing to rent bikes and associated services.

Riders now return to their home countries and prepare for the 2013 edition to be held on the Italian island of Sardinia.